View full sizeChuck Crow / The Plain DealerIt's been a rocky few weeks defensively for Indians second baseman Orlando Cabrera, but his spot in the lineup is secure, says Manny Acta.

TORONTO -- In the last several games, Orlando Cabrera has not displayed the greatest range at second base. That does not mean the Indians are even close to considering a change.

For one thing, they entered Monday's series opener against the Jays with a six-game lead in the AL Central. They are only 11-11 over their last 22 games, but still hold the biggest lead of any division leader.

Secondly, Cabrera is a key part to the Indians. He's had a great influence on Asdrubal Cabrera and is a positive force in the clubhouse. Any decision regarding Cabrera's playing time would have to be weighed against the consequences it would have in the locker room.

There's something else -- Cabrera's production at the plate. He went into Monday hitting .258 (46-for-178) with seven doubles, two homers and 26 RBI. Ten of his RBI have either tied the score or given the Indians the lead. He also had another error on a potential double-play ball in the Jays' seven-run fourth inning that cost two runs -- the second scoring when Cabrera lost concentration after dropping the ball.

"This guy is a good player," said manager Manny Acta. "He challenges everyone around him to play the game right and play it hard and be better than what they are. He's savvy and does a lot of extra stuff that doesn't show up in the box scores.

The time for development in the big leagues has been put on hold. That's what happens when a team is in first place.

Word from Robbie: Hall of Famer Robbie Alomar spent several minutes talking to his brother Sandy, first-base coach for the Indians, before Monday's game. Robbie will be inducted into Cooperstown on July 24. His bronze image will be cast wearing a Blue Jays cap.

"My second choice was the Indians," said Alomar. "The Hall of Fame chooses the cap you wear. I won two World Series with the Blue Jays."

Alomar played for the Indians from 1999 through 2001. The Blue Jays hired him recently as a special advisor. He will represent them at the MLB draft on June 6.

Sandy Alomar Jr., interviewed for the Toronto manager's job before they hired former Indians pitcher John Farrell last off-season. "Sandy had a good interview, but I think he's happy in Cleveland," said Robbie Alomar. "This is where he belongs. One day he will be a manager. I know that for sure. He knows the game. He's learning more every year."

Robbie Alomar said he has no desire to manage. He will be inducted with Bert Blyleven, another former Indian, and GM Pat Gillick, the man who brought him to Toronto in a trade with San Diego.

"I haven't finished my speech, but I'm working on it," said Alomar, with a laugh. "I might give it in Spanish."

Day off: Grady Sizemore, after going 0-for-12 with seven strikeouts in a three-game series against the Rays, was given Monday off.

"He's going to work on some things," said Acta.

Sizemore is scheduled to start in center field Tuesday night. It will be his first start in the outfield since coming off the disabled list on Friday after recovering from a bruised right knee. Acta is monitoring Sizemore's playing time on this six-game trip because all games are on artificial turf.

Going down: Jared Goedert, who strained an oblique muscle in spring training, was activated Monday and optioned to Columbus.

Never saw it coming: Acta managed AL home run leader Jose Bautista in winter ball.

"I can't sit here and tell you I felt he was going to hit 50 home runs," said Acta. "I thought he had the tools to be a very good everyday player in the big leagues. He played third base and center field for me in winter ball."

Bautista led the big leagues last year with 54 homers. He's hot again this year with 20.

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